Trainee Tax Adviser – Business Tax (School Leaver or Graduate Opportunity | ATT/CTA)

Launch your career at Cambridge’s largest accountancy firm. Join PEM as a Trainee Tax Adviser in our Business Tax team and study through a degree-equivalent programme designed to support you towards becoming a qualified tax adviser.

This is an opportunity to gain practical experience, earn a salary and work towards respected professional tax qualifications while learning from experienced colleagues.

What You'll Do

Working within our Business Tax team, you’ll:

• Assist with the preparation of business tax returns and basic tax computations.
• Carry out tax compliance work for a varied portfolio of clients.
• Support tax planning assignments and research tax issues.
• Learn how to interpret legislation and apply it to client situations.
• Help prepare clear written advice and correspondence for clients.
• Work with experienced colleagues to meet client requirements and deadlines.
• Develop your understanding of business taxation, accounting and wider commercial issues.
• Handle day-to-day client queries and support the smooth running of assignments.
• Learn how to identify issues, ask appropriate questions and contribute to practical solutions.
• Gain exposure to clients across a range of industry sectors.
• Receive regular feedback and coaching from your manager and buddy to support your growth.
• Build confidence communicating with clients and colleagues.
• Connect with other trainees across the firm through structured training sessions and social events.
• Build the technical, commercial and client-facing skills that set you up for long-term progression in taxation.

What We're Looking For

We’re interested in the person as much as the grades or qualifications. Whether you’re a school leaver or graduate, you’ll be motivated to learn, enjoy problem-solving and working with numbers, and want to build a long-term career in taxation through a degree-equivalent programme.

School leavers

• A minimum of 112 UCAS points from three A Levels, ideally including relevant or analytical subjects such as maths, business, economics, accountancy, English, history or science.
• Strong GCSE results, including English and maths.
• An interest in taxation.

Graduates

• A minimum 2:2 degree or equivalent, ideally in a relevant or analytical subject such as maths, business, economics, accountancy, English, history or science.
• An interest in taxation.

Everyone should demonstrate

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• A professional approach with a good eye for detail.
• The ability to work flexibly and supportively within a busy team.
• Commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
• The motivation to study towards and complete the ATT and CTA qualifications.
• The ability to explain information clearly and ask thoughtful questions.
• Curiosity and an interest in understanding how businesses operate.

We welcome applications from candidates with transferable experience, including skills gained through part-time work, placements, volunteering, university societies or other commitments.

Career Development

At PEM, progression isn’t something we simply talk about – it’s something we actively invest in.

You’ll benefit from:

• A clear pathway for career progression from trainee to senior, manager and beyond.
• Ongoing technical and leadership development.
• Support from experienced specialists and partners.
• Opportunities to build your profile within the accountancy and taxation sectors.
• Exposure to a broad and varied client base.
• A structured study programme supporting progression from ATT to CTA.
• Regular feedback, coaching and development conversations.
• Opportunities to develop your knowledge across different areas of business taxation and advisory work.

Benefits & Rewards

Alongside a market-leading salary, you’ll receive:

• A fully funded, degree-equivalent programme.
• Structured support towards the ATT and CTA qualifications.
• Bonuses for successfully passing exams first time.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Annual leave: 25 days per year.
• Holiday purchase scheme: you can purchase or sell up to five days’ holiday each year.
• Birthday bonus: PEM gifts you one day’s paid leave to be taken on or near your birthday.
• GymFlex, shopping discounts, cycle to work and other flexible benefit options.
• Two paid volunteer days each year.
• Free onsite parking.
• Supported railcards.
• Social events and team-building activities to foster a fun and engaging workplace.
• Access to modern technology and tools that enhance your work experience.
• A friendly, supportive and flexible work environment.

How to Apply

• Send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications to recruitment@pem.co.uk .
• A member of our Talent team will review your application and assess your suitability for the role.
• If selected, you will be invited for an initial call with our Talent team, where you can discuss your skills and experiences in more detail and, crucially, why you would like to join PEM’s early careers programme.
• If successful, you will be asked to complete a number of short skills tests to evaluate your numerical, written reasoning and attention to detail skills.
• If you pass the skills tests, you will be invited to a final interview with team members to discuss the role and your potential fit within the team.
• If selected, you will receive a formal offer, and we will guide you through the onboarding process to get you started on your exciting journey with PEM.

Join PEM and start your career at a firm that has been putting people first for over 150 years.